January 16, 2025 – Laudato Si Movement North America (LSMNA) announces Allyssa Wright as its new Programs Coordinator, effective immediately. Wright brings a wealth of experience, energy, and a passion for grassroots organizing, youth leadership, and climate justice to the movement.

As programs coordinator, Wright will oversee initiatives that engage communities in climate advocacy, deepen the movement’s commitment to youth leadership, and support grassroots efforts aligned with Pope Francis’s call to ecological conversion.

“Laudato Si Movement North America welcomes Allyssa to our team to mobilize the Catholic community to care for our common home and achieve climate and ecological justice,” said Anna Johnson, LSMNA Director. “Her dynamic leadership, innovative spirit, and commitment to engagement and grassroots advocacy will be instrumental in advancing our mission to care for our common home and amplify the voices of those most affected by the climate crisis.”

‘I’m super excited and energized to be on the team,” said Wright. “I look forward to getting to know the North American team, member, chapters and circles and learning more about their  passion for caring for creation. I am incredibly excited and grateful to see all God has planned as I am stepping into this role!”

Wright has extensive experience mobilizing communities and empowering youth voices. As the founder of Rising Youth, a leadership pipeline program designed for individuals aged 15–24, Wright has cultivated the next generation of leaders and changemakers. Through this program, she trained 20 young leaders to actively participate in voter engagement and community organizing in Doña Ana County, New Mexico.

As a grassroots organizer and campaign manager with New Mexico Comunidades en Acción de Fe (NM CAFé), Wright led voter engagement programs, created youth-led organizing strategies, and trained over 35 new leaders in voter outreach. Her efforts included managing teams that knocked on nearly 90,000 doors during the 2022 election cycle and building deep connections with historically underrepresented Hispanic voters.

Wright also has a passion for education and equity. As a Las Cruces Public Schools special education teacher, she inspired and supported diverse learners. She holds a Bachelor of Individualized Studies in Government and Anthropology from New Mexico State University and has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Faith in Action 50th Anniversary Award and the Rotary Youth Leadership Award.